Its the old story, family lore doesn't always match the historical facts .Written on the front of the photo ,''France 28/8/18, V.C winner ,Jim Blackburn (cousin of mum)''
Sergeant James Blackburn ,8th Southland company ,1st Otago Infantry Battalion was indeed a brave man ,but he didn't win the British empires highest valour medal as one of his family members has noted .Instead he was awarded the Military Medal (MM) and France's Croix de Guerre. Tragically ,he died of wounds on the 8/11/18 ,just 3 days before wars end .
James's is wearing a Lewis Gun proficiency badge .
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